Did you recently chip a tooth? Read on to learn about how a dentist can address this problem. A chipped tooth is one of those dental problems many people are forced to deal with at some point. It can be caused by several things like a slip, fall, or trauma to the face. It can also be caused by a tooth’s structures being weakened by acids made by oral bacteria.
Chipped teeth vary in severity, but the injury always requires treatment. A chipped tooth ruins the aesthetics of your smile, it makes the tooth more prone to tooth decay, and sharp edges created by the damage can cut soft tissues in the mouth, like the cheeks.
Some of the ways a dentist can go about restoring a chipped tooth include:
Composite bonding is often recommended for minor chips and breaks. The treatment involves applying a composite directly to the patient’s tooth and molding it as desired to restore its aesthetics. It is a non-invasive procedure that does not require making any alterations to the patient’s tooth.
Anesthetics are typically not used during the procedure since it does not cause pain. The dentist cleans the patient’s tooth and roughens its exterior during the treatment, so the composite adheres better to it. The composite is applied to the tooth in layers and hardened with a curing light. The restored tooth is polished to help prevent stains from forming on it.
These tooth-shaped restorations can be used to cover chips that mainly affect the front part of the patient’s tooth. The restoration serves as a mask covering up any damage on the tooth behind it. Veneers are often recommended for mild to severe breaks.
Placing veneers on a tooth typically involves removing enamel to make room for the thin shell. This prevents the cosmetic from making the patient’s tooth appear unnaturally bulky. It is an irreversible procedure, so the tooth will always need a restoration to serve as its enamel.
Crowns are recommended for severe chips. These restorations cover up the visible part of the tooth, preventing further damage, protecting against bite forces, and keeping irritants like the acids made by bacteria away.
Getting a tooth treated with a crown usually involves two trips to the dental office. The first portion of the treatment is used to prepare the patient’s teeth and take an impression. The patient gets a temporary crown placed on their tooth to conclude the first appointment.
The impression taken is sent to a dental lab where restorations are fabricated. It takes roughly two weeks for the customized restoration to get back to the dentist. The temporary crown is removed during the second visit, and the dentist cements the custom crown into place. Alterations are made as needed to make sure the restoration fits correctly.
Ready to restore your smile? Give us a call or visit our Los Angeles dental clinic to explore treatment options.
Request an appointment here: https://sylmardentalandbraces.com or call Sylmar Dental & Braces at (818) 362-8333 for an appointment in our Los Angeles office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: What Should I Do If I Chip My Tooth in Los Angeles, CA.
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